5th Anniversary of the Nikon Z Series of Mirrorless Cameras and Z lenses - Including original launch video
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We are approaching the 5th anniversary of the Nikon Z camera and lens system. I have to say that I’m surprised how far both Nikon’s Z camera’s and lens’s have come since 2018. As you will see while watching the original launch video, Nikon expects the Z system to be their platform for the next 100 years (until 2117)!
Their original line up of cameras upon launch were the Z6 (which I still use) and Z7. The original Z lens lineup were the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8s, 24-70mm f/4s and the Nikon 35mm f/1.8s. Currently, Nikon has 10 Z mirrorless bodies and 42 Z Nikkor lenses, demonstrating great progress and ambition.
So, grab some popcorn, sit back and enjoy the original 2018 launch presentation of Nikon’s mirrorless (now mirrorless AND shutterless) camera and lens system.
Watch the full Nikon Japan's Global Launch of their long awaited Z Mirrorless Series of Cameras on the 23rd August 2018 from Tokyo. MIRRORLESS REINVENTED THROUGH THE NIKON Z MOUNT SYSTEM. The Z mount system is comprised of mirrorless cameras featuring a new, larger-diameter mount, as well as compatible NIKKOR lenses and accessories.
Nikon Inc. has announced the release of the new NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II, a standard zoom lens that is compatible with full-frame/FX format mirrorless cameras. This second generation of the acclaimed NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S brings enhancements to image quality, speed and handling, further improving upon a lens that was already a popular choice for all types of imaging professionals.
Robert G Allen Photography recently took delivery of Nikon’s professional zoom trio or as I like to call these 3 lenses, Nikon’s Trinity. I will be posting sample photos as I get more usage out of these 3 premium lenses. In the meantime, here are a few sample images from a recent event assignment:
I love seeing all that Nikon gear hanging from her in the movie poster for the documentary Love and War, a doc about Lynsey Addario as she covers the Ukraine war and other conflicts around the world. The movie is produced by Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin.
I was reminded recently that the winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy were only 6 months away. And 6 months seems like a reasonable timeline for the release of the Z9II. What better timing I thought than right before the Olympic games!
Hot off the press is a new version of NX Studio. This version includes fixes for the following and raises the version number to 1.9.1
These are very limited firmware updates but it’s good to know that Nikon is still caring about their legacy DSLR cameras, at least currently. I have owned and used both of these cameras and they are both DSRL perfected. I would have stayed with the D6 but the shutter was too loud!
I was recently retained to provide event photography coverage of the 2025 Standhope Ultra Challenge near Sun Valley Idaho. It’s considered one of the highest trail races in the US Northwest with elevations reaching over 11K feet within the Pioneer mountains of Idaho. This is not a course for the faint of heart!
As I predicted, due to all the 3rd party lens issues, Nikon issues firmware 3.01 for the Z8 camera.
I thought I would take out the Nikon COOLPIX P1100 this morning around 4:00 AM (so you didn’t have to, thank you) for a few photos of the buck moon at its almost full moon phase.
I’m waiting for Nikon to announce a new Z8 firmware update to replace the original 3.0 update due to all the 3rd party lens issues. I think it’s OK to upgrade to the 3.0 version. I upgraded my Z8 and have had no issues.
Let’s get it out in the open right away, the Z8 officially leads the “flagship” Z9 in features. Even though Nikon says the “Z9 is the most powerful Nikon ever” and still does, this appears to be no longer the case
No longer exclusive to social influencers, firmware 3.0 for the Z8 is ready for download for everyone.
Sit down for an exclusive interview between Nikon USA Ambassadors Kristi Odom and Ron Magill as they share how they got started in wildlife photography and their most unforgettable experiences in the wild.
The first thing I noticed was how light the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S lens was compared to the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens. As for size, it is slightly shorter then the 180-600mm but not by much. The difference in weight is more noticeable then the length difference.

Welcome to Robert G Allen Photography. I'm a professional multi-disciplinary commercial freelance photographer based in the Pacific Northwest and a Nikon DSLR Enthusiast.
While my career has primarily been as an event photographer, this website represents other areas of photography for which I have professional competency and enjoyment. The resulting front page gallery and single subject galleries are the result of a combination of client assignments and personal areas of interest.
Today, as first reported by Robert G Allen Photography, Nikon releases major new firmware 2.0 for the Nikon Z6III camera.